Fly Fishing Knots: Surgeon's Knot Animation

The Surgeon's Knot is for connecting sections of tippet that are similar in diameter or that very greatly in diameter. It's strong and easy to tie, but not as clean as blood knot.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Play

See detailed instructions below for each step in tying the Surgeon's Knot.

Overlap the tag ends of the two strands you are joining by 4 to 6 inches. The section not attached to the rest of your leader and line ( in most cases a new tippet ) should start in your left hand.

Form a loop in the overlapped strand and pinch the junction of the loop with the thumb and forefinger of your right hand.

With the left hand, wrap the standing part of the tippet ( or smaller piece ) and the tag end of the bigger piece through the loop 2 times. Treat them as a single piece; they'll stay together easier if you wet them with saliva.

Tighten this knot by holding both short and long ends on each side and pulling quickly and tightly. Make sure all strands are snug, then trim the tag ends as close to the knot as possible.

Below is a selection of fly fishing knots. Simply click on the thumbnails below to view the corresponding fly fishing knot.